Transmission shifting funny on cold morning?

OK , tell Toyota to check the transmission fluid manually , not using the Techstream .
The Techstream is a good idea if you want to check the condition of the computer controls for the transmission ,but a horrible way to tell if your transmission has a proper fluid level .
With this said , a computer scan is the proper way to diagnose this . If there is an issue with a solenoid , the Techstream will find it . If the transmission doesnt know what gear it needs to be in when its cold , the guys at the dealership should have a good answer as to what it will take to fix it .
Post back what they find and dont let them make any repairs yet $$$$$
Lets try and save you some cash here

 

Perfect, I will follow your advise and report back to this later this afternoon.
Thanks

 

Can anyone produce a document from Toyota that says they changed fluid change from 100k to 60k?

 

i think its right in the manual to change fluid every 60k.

 

I know a lot of people say all this crap about the dealership but Toyota is the ones not really saying anything that gives us a leg to stand on. As far as the dealership and service managers can see Toyota says lifetime fluid unless some can show me something where Toyota says otherwise thats it. Also what’s weird is the dealership could of taken my $ and did a flush but they say if Toyota doesn’t recommend it why do it?

 

I've had this happen to me as well. My issue doesn't have any rhyme or reason to it though (i.e., doesn't seem dependent on cold weather, etc.). I first started noticing it when it went into engine breaking and then wouldn't stop engine breaking after it leveled out - I would have to punch it to get it to stop... (this was when the truck was only a few months old). I then started having issues with it randomly where it would get stuck in a gear (no specific gear and happens during summer and winter!) but would usually kick itself out after a few moments. Most recently starting this summer, I would be accelerating on an on ramp and the transition shift reluctantly but gets stuck in 5th gear and would redline if I let it and would not shift up or down - I would have to throw it in neutral and then back into drive to get it to change! I couldn't take it any longer and brought it into the dealer where they kept it for a few days and couldn't get it to do it again. I asked if they have had any issues and they said not with my specific transmission but they have had issues with a different serial numbered transmission... basically said it was bulletproof. Unfortunately it is a closed system so you cannot easily check to see the condition of the transmission fluid. I did my due diligence and if anything happens it should be covered under warranty. Anyway, maybe you have the transmission with the "lucky" serial number?

 

Yes your 100% correct the dealerships are stuck in the middle cause as far as Toyota is concerned this is all normal and like you said it's a closed system that very difficult to check, at this point if it keeps happening throughout the winter i will have them do a total flush and at least put it on them partly if something goes wrong in the future.

 

FYI, if your fluid has never been checked its VERY possible its low on fluid (some have reported up to 2 quarts low)

The check procedure is actually very easy and would be worth your time. Grab 2 quarts of toyota WS fluid from the dealership and do the check, if nothing comes out, add a quart. Let her cool off fully and do the check again. repeat again if nothing comes out.

People are reluctant to deal with these "lifetime" "sealed" transmissions, but there are so many good writeups and videos that its almost idiot proof.

 

Drain at Pan and refill with 3.2 qts, And all set!Try WS Synthetic!Amsoil Sig Series,Blue cap LV.Pennzoil LV,Amaile LV,Valvoline MaxLife LV,Kendall LV,Etc....!

 

Im saying do the check procedure (dont drain the pan). and if the check procedure doesnt net you a full result (slight dripping out the check hole), grab 2 quarts of WS fluid from toyota and pop a quart in, do it again, if still low pop the second quart in and do a final check.

 

My transmission was making a scraping/whirling noise between 2nd and 3rd followed by slamming into gear on cold mornings last week.
This started immediately after the dealership did a trans flush (which they recommended). Took it back and after 4 days they found it low on fluid.
Of course they say that "no damage could have occurred"...
If I could do it again I would be flushing it myself.